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New 13.2 Update Bricking Some HomePods [Update Pulled by Apple]

Unplugging/rep lugging is just a reboot, not a reset. A reset is trying to put the HomePod back as it was from the factory, and it has a special procedure.

Reset HomePod or HomePod mini - Apple Support

Learn how to reset your HomePod or HomePod mini to its factory settings before sending it in for service, selling it, or giving it away.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
 
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super tomtendo said:
It seems the culprit is if you "reset" the homepod... I updated with no problems, but I guess if I reset, then gameover?

Question what is a reset? Is that the same as restarting it? Unplugging and letting it boot back up?
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They mean factory reset. As in setting things back as if you just opened it. Takes more than unplugging which should be obvious or you’d constantly be setting it up.
 
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super tomtendo said:
It seems the culprit is if you "reset" the homepod... I updated with no problems, but I guess if I reset, then gameover?

Question what is a reset? Is that the same as restarting it? Unplugging and letting it boot back up?
Click to expand...

While seemingly unrelated, I started by updating my MacBook Pro with macOS 10.15.1. As it's the foundation of my Mac ecosystem, I wanted a reliable safety net in case something went haywire with my iOS devices.

I then fiddled around with iOS 13.2 by updating my XS-Max, Apple Watch 4, Apple TV, and finally, my three HomePods. The HomePods didn't take, so I figured the servers were hanging. I tried again a few times later but no-go. I almost resorted to a reset, but after decades of Apple products, I've learned that Apple post-Steve Jobs has become a cramp-shoot. My gut told me NOT to proceed, and I'm glad I followed my instincts.

* There is an Apple Support instruction page on 'Reset HomePod,' but I won't post it here out of an abundance of caution.
 
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After updating to 13.2 there’s a new option available in settings for HomePod and it differs depending on if you have paired two HomePods or not. If paired, it says “Restart HomePod”. If not paired, it says “Reset HomePod”.
I like the new option in the first case since I have a habit of restarting. This way seems more safe by the way than unplugging the cord. However, I don’t understand why the option is different for one single HomePod. It’s confusing AND in this particular case, clicking the option to reset would kill it.
 
Considering not many were sold it's better not to update them than release half effort and bricking them.
 
Mr$tone said:
After updating to 13.2 there’s a new option available in settings for HomePod and it differs depending on if you have paired two HomePods or not. If paired, it says “Restart HomePod”. If not paired, it says “Reset HomePod”.
I like the new option in the first case since I have a habit of restarting. This way seems more safe by the way than unplugging the cord. However, I don’t understand why the option is different for one single HomePod. It’s confusing AND in this particular case, clicking the option to reset would kill it.
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My three HomePods are still showing 12.4 as the current update, with no update option available. My iPhone is showing 13.2
 
Updating now all appears well. Downloaded and installed over 12.4 no problems
 
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albebaubles said:
They need to start hiring outside the Bay Area. Nobody wants to live there and they dont pay near enough for people to have a decent lifestyle.
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I am a programmer. I work outside the Bay Area. I work with a lot of programmers all over the world. While the Bay Area lives in its own completely bizarre reality that makes no sense, this issue is pretty much universal.

Programming is hard. State is hell.
 
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bbednarz said:
I mean HomePod can do every single thing I bolded. The HomePod doesn't have a screen, but your phone can perform the task your Echo Show did. Outside of the weather report, what you are describing is really no different than what HomeKit/Siri can do. There might even be a way to tie a weather report into a scene, but I haven't looked into it.

This doesn't take away from this disaster they have caused with 13.2 though.
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HomeKit certainly can do the same thing. The issue is that Apple’s approach left us with very few options for connected devices at a steep price premium. Our entire house is now a “smart home” and it came at a fraction of the cost it would take utilizing HomeKit and HomePod and there is no discernible benefit of employing HomePod.

Something interesting I found. You can actually trigger some of the automations using Siri, mostly scenes. A number of devices we have do support both protocols. There are many issues with Amazon, too. Don’t get me wrong. One of the biggest complaints I have is that grouping a bunch of smart bulbs still makes it ridiculously difficult to command all at the same time. Yes, I’ve yelled at Alexa a good number of times lol

Back to the topic on hand, iOS 13.2 is causing many problems outside of HomePod. I have ton of apps that fail to launch or crash to home screen. I hope Apple addresses this asap.
 
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iMi said:
HomeKit certainly can do the same thing. The issue is that Apple’s approach left us with very few options for connected devices at a steep price premium. Our entire house is now a “smart home” and it came at a fraction of the cost it would take utilizing HomeKit and HomePod and there is no discernible benefit of employing HomePod.

Something interesting I found. You can actually trigger some of the automations using Siri, mostly scenes. A number of devices we have do support both protocols. There are many issues with Amazon, too. Don’t get me wrong. One of the biggest complaints I have is that grouping a bunch of smart bulbs still makes it ridiculously difficult to command all at the same time. Yes, I’ve yelled at Alexa a good number of times lol

Back to the topic on hand, iOS 13.2 is causing many problems outside of HomePod. I have ton of apps that fail to launch or crash to home screen. I hope Apple addresses this asap.
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This whole upgrade cycle has been horrible. My wish for dark mode came at a terrible cost.
 
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iMi said:
HomeKit certainly can do the same thing. The issue is that Apple’s approach left us with very few options for connected devices at a steep price premium. Our entire house is now a “smart home” and it came at a fraction of the cost it would take utilizing HomeKit and HomePod and there is no discernible benefit of employing HomePod.
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HomeKit doesn't force you to use expensive devices. You can if you want the security benefits and integration of a HomeKit certified device. But everything else is supported through HomeBridge.
 
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ErikGrim said:
HomeKit doesn't force you to use expensive devices. You can if you want the security benefits and integration of a HomeKit certified device. But everything else is supported through HomeBridge.
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I did not realize that was an option. Good to know!
 
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MadeTheSwitch said:
Sonos has had their fancy speakers lock up?


I really wish people would stop being apologist for companies and stop defending poor quality control. This is why we can’t have nice things. 🙄
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Who is apologizing? My cousin’s Sonos speakers have been a nightmare, with terrible customer service. No company I’ve ever heard of is immune to software problems.
 
sidewinder3000 said:
Who is apologizing? My cousin’s Sonos speakers have been a nightmare, with terrible customer service. No company I’ve ever heard of is immune to software problems.
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No competent company should release a product that bricks their users devices when we are talking about ONE single model of a device and a company with thousands of people (in other words resources) to make sure stuff like that does not happen.
 
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MadeTheSwitch said:
No competent company should release a product that bricks their users devices when we are talking about ONE single model of a device and a company with thousands of people (in other words resources) to make sure stuff like that does not happen.
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And yet... it happens. Despite the PR and backlash being a nightmare for those companies, and it being the last thing they want. Why? Because systems have become exponentially more interactive and complex than they ever have been. I hate these problems as much as the next guy, and I expect better from Apple. Maybe it’s possible, with the eventuality of quantum computing, to test all possible worldly circumstances before a software update goes out. But your pious, wishful thinking, based on yesterday’s systems and modes, will never be the answer.
 
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